Electric switch



R. A. MILLERMASTER Em. A 2,217,024

Oct. 8, 1940.

ELECTRIC SWITCH Original Filed June 6, 1938 4 she ets sheet 1.

INVENTQRS MJVW llxlU as 25 z a z I89.

ATTORNEY v Patented Oct. 8, 1940 PATENT OFFICE 2,217,024 ELECTRICswr'rcn Ralph A. Millermaster,

Writzmann,

West Allis, Wis.,

Milwaukee, and Alex assignors to Cutler-Hammer, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., acorporation of Delaware Original application June 6, 1938, Serial No.

212,152. Divided and this application May 4, 1939, Serial No. 271,678

10 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in electric switches. Theinvention relates more particularly to fuseless main switches adaptedfor use in con iunction with service control equipment.

A primary object of the invention is to provide a fuseless main switchof simple and rugged construction. which is easy to operate andtrustworthy in operation.

Another object is to provide such a switch of the lever operated type.

Another object is to improve and simplify the details of constructionand the! manner of assembling the parts of fuseless main-switches of theaforementioned character.

Another object is to provide a switch' of the, aforementioned characterhaving solderless wir-' ing terminals of improved form associatedtherewith.

Other objects and advantages of theinvention will hereinafter appear.

This application is a division of our application Serial No. 212,152,filed June 6, 1938, for Service control equipment.

The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of theinvention which will now be described, it being understood that theembodiment illustrated is susceptible of modification in respect ofcertain structural details thereof without departing from the spirit andscope of our invention as defined by the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a service control device embodying ourimproved switch mechanism and solderless wiring terminals, the main andauxiliary cover members of the control device being removed.

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the one-piece 4 molded insulating baseshowing parts of the switch mechanism and the bus connections betweenthe several parts of the complete device.

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of our novel form of range fuse pull-outplug, whereby the range fuses maybe mounted in tandem, or end to end,relation.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the plug shown in Fig. 3, with partsbroken away and in section to illustrate the manner of attaching thevarious metal parts to the insulating base of the plug.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view, on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1, themain and auxiliary cover members being shown in assembled relation.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view, on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5,showing the parts of the fuseless main switch in circuit interruptingposition.

Fig. 7 is a view substantially like that of Fig. 6, but showing theswitch parts in circuit completing position.

Fig. 8 is a detail perspective view (substantially full size) of astationary part of our improved form of solderless wiring terminal.

Fig. 9 is a bottom plan view (double scale) of the clamping nut forcooperation withjthe part shown in Fig. 8. 4

Fig. 10 is a sectional view, on the broken line Ill-l0 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 11 is a detail per uective view, in separated relation, of certainparts of one of the resilient contacts of the switch.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the circuit connections for the variousparts of'the complete device.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the main covermember and a portion of the auxiliary cover member, showing the form andarrangement of one of the integral finger lugs formed on the free end ofthe latter, and

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view, similar to Fig. '7, butillustrating a slightly modified form of insulating base to providetherein a downwardly opening bearing slot to receive the pivot pin ofthe operating lever.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral l5 designates a single moldedinsulating base adapted to be produced by a straight-line moldingoperation from a suitable material, such as gray porcelain. Base I5 asshown isof approximately rectangular contour, except that the cornershave been omitted at 16 and I! to avoid an unneces-' sary weight or massof material. Extending transversely of base Iii intermediate the endsthereof (Fig. 1') is a relatively long, outwardly opening, substantiallyrectangular recess I8, which is adapted to accommodate in asubstantially flush relation a correspondingly shaped pull-out plug themolded insulating base of which is designated by the numeral l9. Base I9is provided with parts, hereinafter'described, to receive and retain apair of cartridge type range fuses in tandem, or end to end,relationship to each other.

Arranged in a line at one side of recess l8, and in a plane offsetdownwardly from the outer end of the latter (see Fig. 1), is a series offour substantially cylindrical recesses 20, 2|, 22 and 23, each of whichis respectively adapted toaccommodate a screw shell contact 24 and acenter contact 25 for cooperation with the screw shell and centercontacts of branch circuit fuses 01 well known form.

Arranged at the other side of recess l8, and in a plane offsetdownwardly slightly below the plane of the upper ends of recesses 20 to23 (see Fig. 10) is a main switch mechanism, the insulating operatinglever 54 of which projects upwardly a substantial distance beyond theupper end of recess 18. Base I5 is housed within a casing, preferablyformed of sheet'metal, comprising side walls 21 and 28, end walls 29 and30, and abottom wall 3|, to which base I5 is rigidly secured, as bymeans of a pair of relatively short screws 32, and a pair of relativelylong screws, one of which is shown at 33 in Fig. 1. Said pairs of screws32 and 33 are preferably arranged in the form of a rectangle, as bestillustrated in Fig. 2 by the pairs of openings 32 and 33 adaptedto'accommodate the same.

The open front of said casing is provided with a main cover member 34,formed of stamped sheet metal, said cover member having a peripheralflange which exteriorly overlaps the upper ends of the aforementionedside and end walls, as shown at 35 in Fig. 5'. Main cover member 34 issecured to the casing as by means of four screws, one of which is shownat 38 in Fig. 5, which penetrate openings provided at the respectivecorners of said cover member and take into tapped openings 31 providedin the horizontal arms 38 of brackets, the vertical arms 39 (Fig. 5) ofwhich are welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the opposite ends ofside walls 21 and 28.

Main cover member 34 is provided with a relatively large rectangularopening 40 (Fig. 5) which is adapted to provide free access to therecess 48 and to the relatively small cylindrical recesses 20 to 23,inclusive. Surrounding opening 40 is a flange 4| which is offsetinwardly from. the outer surface of said main cover member, said flangebeing adapted to accommodate the auxiliary cover member 42 in a relationsubstantially flush with said outer surface of said main cover member.Auxiliarycover member 42 is attached to the main cover member as bymeans of a pair of hinge members cf cell known form, one of which isshown at 43 in Fig. 5. Auxiliary cover member 42 is provided near itsupper end with an opening 44 to accommodate the perforated upstandinglug 45 formed integrally with the aforementioned flange 4|. Theperforation 46 in said lug is adapted to receive the loop portion of awire whose ends may be sealed together in the usual manner, to providefor sealing of said auxiliary cover member to said main cover member.

Secured to the inner surface of auxiliary cover member42 (Fig. 5) at thehinged end of the latter, as by means of a rivet 41, is a resilientplate or spring 48; the fixed end of which is provided with a circularopening to accommodate with a close fit the cylindrical boss orextrusion 49, formed on said auxiliary cover member, whereby turning ofplate 48 relatively to rivet 41 is prevented. The free end of plate 48underlies the adjacent portion of the aforementioned flange 4| andcooperatively engages the inner edge of the latter to yieldably retainthe auxiliary cover member 42 in the closed position thereofillustrated. Assuming vertical mounting of the complete device in themanner illustrated in Fig. 5, it is to be understood that plate 48 willcooperate with the edge of flange 4i to yieldably resist-a portion ofthe opening movement of auxiliary cover member 42, whereupon the latterwill tend to move by gravity to a-fully opened position substantially180 degrees removed from the closed position illustrated.

- On the other hand, if the complete device of Fig. 5 is mounted in avertical position reversed, or upside down, with respect to the positionillustrated, plate 48 will cooperate with flange 4| to resist a portionof the opening movement of said auxiliary cover member, and thereafterplate 48 will cooperate with the inner edge of flange 4| to hold saidauxiliary cover member in a horizontal position affording free access tothe aforementioned recesses 18 and 20 to 23. ..To facilitate opening ofthe auxiliary cover member 42 we prefer to provide the same, at the endtherefore opposite to the hinges, with a pair of integral lugs bentoutwardly to arcuate form in cross section, one of said lugs being shownin elevation at 50 in Fig. 5, and in section in Fig. 13. Also as shownin Fig. 13 the main cover member 34 is provided with non-offset portions5| of arcuate form which underlie portions of the lugs 50 to minimizethe apparent degree of projection of the latter when viewed from thefront. A commercial form of our combined main and auxiliary covermembers is illustrated in our Design Patent No. 108,212, dated Feb. 1,1938.

As shown in Figs. 5 to 7 the main cover member 34 is provided with anarrow, elongated depression or offset 52 having formed therein a slot53 which acts to guide and limit oscillatory movement of. the operatinglever 54 of the main switch. Underlying the slot 53 is a flat sheetmetal plate 55 having an opening formed therein to accommodate lever 54,a pair of lugs 56 and 51 being formed integrally with and upstandingfrom opposite parallel sides of said opening, the upper ends of saidlugs being bent laterally over the bottom wall of depression 52, asshown in Fig. 5, whereby plate 55 is supported by but slidable withrespect to said main cover member 34. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, plate55 acts to substantially close the aforementioned opening 53 in allpositions of the lever 54. Cover member 34 is provided adjacent to theright-hand end of depression 52 with the legend Off and at the lefthandend thereof with the legend On, to indicate the "off" and on" positionsof the main switch (Figs. 6 and '7).

The main switch comprises a relatively narrow substantially rectangularcavity 58 which opens to the lower surface of base I5, a passage 59communicating with recess 58 and opening to the upper surface of saidbase. In assembling the switch mechanism lever 54 is inserted upwardlythrough passage 59 to an extent sufficient to permit insertion of pin 60through the pivot opening 6| provided in said lever, said lever beingthen lowered to effect seating of pin 80 in the open pivotal bearings 62and 83 (Fig. 5) provided in the upper surface of base IS. A metal plate84 overlies the opposite ends of pin 60 to restrain the latter fromupward displacement relatively formed therein to provide clearance forlever 54. Plate 64 is secured to base [5' as by means of a pair of bolts68 the heads of which are located in countersinks provided in the endwall of recess 58 (Figs. 6 and 7).

Lever 54 preferably consists of a fiat punched plate of fiberimpregnated with a suitable insulating binder material. and relativelyrigid, fiber reinforced, insulating material may be employed if desired.As-best illustrated in Figs. 6 and '7, the lower end portion 54 of lever54 extends from the point of pivotal support at an obtuse angle to theupper end portion of. saidlever, the arrangement being such that in theoff position of the switch parts Any other suitable tough (Fig. 6) saidlower end portion 54 of the lever is in a substantiallyvertical'position with respect to pivot pin 68.

The lower end portion 54 of said lever is pivotally attached to asubstantially rectangular insulating plate 61, at one side of thehorizontal and vertical center lines through the latter, as by means ofa hollow rivet or eyelet 68. The lower edge of plate 81 is mounted orcut away, as indicated at 89, to provide clearance between the same andan insulating barrier plate 18, which is interposed between the sets ofcooperating stationary and movable contacts of the switch. As shown inFigs. 6 and 7 the plate 81 is of substantially inverted U-shape, withthe arms thereof projecting to a slight extent below recess 58 in theon" position of the switch (Fig. 7), while the same project to a greaterextent below said recess in the off position of the switch (Fig. 6).

Secured to the lower surface of base l (Fig. 2) are a pair ofsubstantially rigid stationary contacts H and 12 of like form, the freeends of which underlie, to a very slight extent, the recess 58 (see Fig.Secured to the lower surface of base l5 at .the opposite side of recess58, and adapted to underlie the latter and portions of contacts H and12, is a pair of resilient contacts l3 and 14 of like form. Contacts I3and 74 preferably consist of laminations or superimposed strips ofresilient conducting material, such as phosphor bronze, the innerlaminations of the respective contacts 13 and 14 having hollow bosses orprojections 13, H formed thereon (see 14 in Fig. 10) which bosses arenormally biased into engagement with the respective contacts ll, 12. InFig, 11 we have shown in perspective the inner lamination 14* havingsaid boss (4* formed thereon, together with one of the three otherlaminations 14 which we prefer to employ, The initial upward angleprovided for the free ends of the laminations like H affords the normalbias'of the boss (like 14*) into engagement with its cooperatingstationary contact.

Contacts 13 and 14 are clamped in position against the respective busmembers 15 and 16 as by means of bolts ll, 78 and nuts 19, 80, the headsof said bolts being located in countersinks provided in the uppersurface of base l5 (see bolt 18 in Fig. 10) Associated with bus member15 is a bolt 8| (Fig. 2) the shank of which extends upwardly throughbase l5 and takes into a tapped opening provided in the bottom wall of achannel-shaped wiring terminal element 82 (Fig.

1) to clamp the latter in position. The exposed surface of said bottomwall is provided with a series of alternate grooves and ridges whichextend in parallel relation between the side walls of saidchannel-shaped element, as shown in detail at 82 in Fig. 8.

The threaded shank of bolt 8| preferably extends a substantial distanceabove the side walls of the channel-shaped element 82 for cooperativeengagement by a wire-clamping nut of novel form. As shown in Fig. 9 saidnut comprises a lower cylindrical portion 83, the flat lower end ofwhich is provided with a series of. cencentrically arranged alternategrooves and ridges 83. By reason of the formation of elements 82 and 83as described we are able to properly clamp a stranded conductor of asize which could not ordinarily be accommodated by known forms ofsolderless wiring terminals of similar size. A bolt '18 (Figs. 1 and 2)associated with bus member 16 likewise takes into a tapped opening inthe bottom wall of its, associated channel-shaped terminal member 82 toclamp the latter in position.

In practice the strands of the wire will be divided, for positioningthereof on opposite sides of the bolt, whereupon the cylindrical portion83 of the nut will be screwed home, the slight degree of clearancebetween portion 83 and the side walls of element 82 being insufficientto permit escape of any of the wire strands, and the surfaces 82 and 83cooperating with the wire strands to insure a. proper and efiicientelectrical engagement. As shown in Figs. 5, 9 and 10 said nut isprovided with an upper end portion 83 of hexagonal or other polygonalcontour, to provide for tightening or loosening thereof by means of asuitable wrench, it being noted (Figs. 5 and 10) that the upper end orhead portion 83 of the nut will always clear the side walls of element8'2. Also as shown in Figs. 1 and 10, head portion 83* is provided witha kerf 83 to enable adjustment of the nut by means of a screw driver.The

screw driver to be employed will preferably have a forked blade, toprovide clearance for the shank of a bolt, such as 8| in Fig. 1. We havedisclosed use herein of seven solderless wiring terminal units of thecharacter just described, as indi-- same upwardly and laterally with aquick action,

toward the extreme position thereof shown in Fig. 7, with consequentnormal and automatic acceleration of the counterclockwise movement oflever 54.

Referring to Figs. '1 and 10, recess I8 is provided in its bottom walll8 along one longitudinal side thereof with'four constricted openings,one pair of which is shown at I8 and I8 in Fig. 1, and one opening ofthe other pair is shown at l8 in Fig. 10. Located within suitablerecesses (such as recess 84 in Fig. 10) beneath the respective openingsare jack receiving contacts of the form illustrated in cross section at85 in Fig. 10. Each of said contacts preferably consists of a resilientI strip of metal, such as phosphor bronze, bent to provide a pair ofspaced, upwardly extending parallel arms with outwardly flared ends, anda reiiexed connection portion bent laterally to underlie a portion ofbase l5.

As shown in Fig. 10 the connecting portion of one of said contacts isinterposed between the terminal end of stationary contact 12 and baseIS, a bolt 86 having its head located in a countersink in the bottomwall of recess l8 and its threadedshank freely penetrating openingsprovided in the connecting portion of contact 85 and in the terminalportion of contact 12 and ing in bus member 92;.and bolt 98 takes into atapped opening in bus member 93 (Fig, 2). .As shown, bus member 92overlies the terminal end of contact II to provide for clamping thelatter in position. I

The other end of bus member 9| is engaged bythe head of bolt 94, theshank of which takes into. a tapped opening in the bottom wall of one ofthe channel-shaped wiring terminal members 82 (Fig. 1). Similarly, theother .end of bus member 33 is engaged by the head of bolt 95, the shankof which takes into a tapped opening in the bottom wall of another ofthe channelshaped wiring terminal members.

The cartridge type fuse carrying plug comprises the aforementionedinsulating base portion I 3 having four relatively shallow,substantially rectangular recesses I9", I9, I9 and Iii formed in theinner surface thereof. Each of said recesses is provided substantiallycentrally thereof with a metal insert in the form of a bolt having aroughened inner end portion 96' embedded in base I0 for non-rotatableanchorage thereof, the exposed threaded shank 96 of each bolt beingadapted to penetrate alined openings provided in the base portions91*;385 of the jack blade members 91 and the fuse clips 98,respectively. Nuts 30 cooperate with shanks 96 to clamp members 31 and38 in assembled position against the bottom wall of a recess (such asI9) and against the integral annular extension 96 formed on each bolt,spring lock wash'ers I00 (Fig. 4) of suitable form being employed toprevent'accidental turning or loosening of said nuts.

As'shown, the jacks 9 1 are arranged adjacent to one longitudinal sideof base l9 whereby the same are adapted to register with theaforementioned constricted openings IB I8, etc., in the bottom wall I0of recess I8 in only one relative position of the parts.

Base I0 is preferably provided at its midlength on opposite sidesthereof with slight lateral projections I3 and I9, and the oppositelongitudinal walls of recess I8 are formed as shown at I0 and I0 (Fig.l) to accommodate said projections, it being noted that the lower ends(Fig. 4) of'projections I0", I9 are of irregular angular contour, asindicated at I0, I9, and the lateral recesses I8", I0 arecorrespondingly shaped to insure against insertion of plug I3 intorecess I8 in more than one relative position of said parts.

Base I3 is also preferably provided, at a point offset from themid-length thereof, with an integral barrier member I9, which extendsdownwardly throughout the major portion of the length of jacks 91. Theopposite edges I9 I9 ofsaid barrier member extend laterally beyond thepro- Jections I0, I9 throughout a portion of the lower ends of thelatter, recess I0 being provided in its longitudinal walls with recessesIB Ia (Fig. 1) to accommodate said extensions, to additionally limitplug base I0 to insertion in recess I0 in only one relation of saidparts. The two longitudinally alined pairs of clips 98 are adapted toreceive and retain a pair of cartridge type fuses for range service.

As shown in-Figs. 1 and 10, recess I8 is provided with a. barrier IOIformed integrally with the side and bottomwalls thereof and extendingupwardly from the latter to the degree indicated in Fig. 10, and toprovide a seat for the ledge or surface I3 formed on base I9 (Figs. 3and 4). By reason of the overlapping relationship of barriers I 0: and19', the recess I8 is divided into two compartments effectively sealedelectrically with respect to each other. prior to engagement of the"'jaii blggies '91- with'contacts'85. The depth of the peripheral wallof plug bas=; I9 is also preferably such that the upper end of recess I8is completely sealed off thereby, or made deadfront" priorto engagementof jack blades 91 with contacts 85.

Plug base I9 is provided with a pair of spaced openings to accommodatethe shanks I02 of a pair of cotter pins whose loops or eyes I02 areexposed at the outer surface of said base, said shanks having their endsspread or bent over washers I03 to retain said cotter pins in position.The handle comprises a length of relatively heavy resilient wire I04,preferablysteel, bent to substantially U-shape with laterally extendingend; I04, I 04*, either of which may be freely ins." .ed into one of theeyes I02, whereupon the other end of said handle may be forci- -blyinserted into the other eye by a slight degree of bending or distortionof the wire. The arrangement is preferably such that the handle may notbe inserted or removed when in upright position, as shown in Fig. 4; butmay be readily inserted or removed manually when it is in theinoperative position thereof shown in Fig. 1. This has the advantage ofinsuring against inadvertent dislocation of the handle in the event ofexcessive resistance to removal of the fuse carrying plug I9 from recessI0, due to an improper direction of pull upon the handle. 7

Base I9 is provided with four openings or passages I05, two of which areshown in Fig. l, which permit access to the base portions oftherespective jack blades, as by means of test jacks or wire ends, topermit testing of the range fuses while in position. The branch circuitfuses (not shown) when positioned in the respective recesses 20 to 23,inclusive, may likewise-be tested without removal thereof from normalposition, by reason of the provision of angularly extending ways orslots 20*, 2|, 22 ,and 23, which provide access to the respective shellcontacts 24, as by means of a test jack, the wiring terminals 25*,associated with the center contact screws or bolts 25, being exposed andreadily accessible for engagement by the other jack of a fuse testingdevice of known form, when the main cover member 34 is removed.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 5, the portion I5 of base I5 in whichcylindrical recesses 20 to 23 are formed is preferably offset inwardlyfrom the forward face of the base, as represented by the forward end ofthe surrounding walls of recess I l. Portion [5* of base I5 is furtherprovided with 'an inwardly offset ledge I5 which may be interrupted at anumber of points to facilitate proper molding of said base, as shown inFig. 1. Cover member 34 has attached to the inner surface thereof, as bymeans of rivets. or spot welds, or both (not shown) a sheet metal guardmember, the flat inwardly offset portion I06 (Fig. 5) is shaped toclosely surround the contour of the forward end of portion I5- of baseI5, said flat portion being adapted to seat upon or rest adjacent to'theaforementioned ledge I5". Guard member I06 is provided with parallelside wall portions, one of which is shown at I05 said side wall portionsextendingclosely adjacent to the surrounding wall of recess I8. The rearend insertion of plug I9 into recess I8, the front edgeof the lower wallof recess I8 having grooves or notches I8 I8 formed therein toaccommodate handle I04 in a plane substantially flush with the forwardend of the walls of said recess. Handle I04 in such position providesproper clearance for insertion or removal of the branch circuit fuses(see Fig. 1). When the device is mounted in a position 180 degreesreversed from that shown in Figs. 1 and 5, handle.

I04 may be manually moved to and will remain in the position thereofshown in said figures. whereby the auxiliary cover member 42 may beclosed in the manner aforedescribed.

Also as shown in Figs. 1 and 5 a fiber insulating plate I01 ofrectangular contour underlies base I5 to insure p oper electricalclearance between the conducting parts shown in Fig. 2 and the bottomwall 3I of the metal casing.

-A grounded neutral bus member I08 is interposed between insulatingplate I01 and said bottom wall 3|, the latter having an opening 3|-(Fig.5) to accommodate the flat cylindrical head V I09 of a bolt thethreaded shank I09 of which extends forwardly between the shanks I30 andI3I of a pair of bolts providing additional grounding terminals (Figs. 1and 2). Said shanks I09, I30 and I3I take into tapped openings in thethree channel-shaped terminal members 82 (Fig. 1) for cooperation withtheir associated wire clamping nuts 83. Said shanks are electricallyconnected with each other, as by means of a metal strap or bus memberI32 (Figs. 5 and 10).

A second bolt I I (Figs. 1 and extends rearwardly through base I5 andtakes into a tapped opening in bus member I08 to assist in rigidlyattaching the latter to said base. Bus member I08 is provided at thelower end thereof (Figs. 1 and 5) with a portion I08 extending forwardlyat a right angle. A neutral terminal member III has a. right-angledportion III arranged parallel to portion I08, and a bolt II2 has athreaded shank which penetrates portions 'member III overlies a ledge I5formed on base I5 to provide against bending or displacement of saidmember upon tightening of the four binding screws I I3 associatedtherewith. Member I II may be provided with an opening III toaccommodate the bared wire ends to provide a snubbing connectiontherefor prior to winding or looping the same around the shanks ofbinding screws H3. As shown in Fig. 2,the branch circuit fuse terminals25 are preferably provided with similar openings 25 to provide snubbingconnections for bared wire ends prior to winding or looping the samearound the shanks of binding screws 25.

In Fig. 12 we have shown diagrammatically the circuit connections forthe complete device, the various parts being designated by numeralscorresponding to those employed in the other figures. Thus current issupplied from lines L L and L the latter being the neutral wire, whichis grounded through bus member I08. Upon closure of switch contacts 13and 14 circuit will be pre-set for completion to the range upon closureof one or more of the usual range switches (not shown), line L beingthus connected through range fuse II4 with range lead R line L beingconnected through range fuse II5 with range lead R and the groundedneutral L being permanently connected. with the neutral range lead RClosure of contacts 13 and 14 likewise pre-sets the respective pairs ofbranch circuits IIB, II1 and II8, II9 for completion to suitabletranslating devices (not shown) upon operation of suitable switches orplugs associated with the latter, it being noted that each branchcircuit includes therein a grounded neutral connection.

In Fig. 14 we have shown an insulating base I 20, which is slightlymodified with respect to base I5 aforedescribedj base I20 being providedwith .a downwardly opening pair of opposed grooves (one of which isshown at I2I) in a passage I22 which opens at one end to the outersurface of base I20 and at its other-end communicates with recess I23. Ahandle member or operating lever I24, having plate I25 pivotallyattached thereto at I28, is inserted upwardly through passage I22, withthe pivot pin I21 in position in said lever, pin I21 being adapted toenter the opposed grooves, such as I2I, to pivotally bear against theclosed upper ends of the latter. When the contacts 13 and 14 are inassembled position they will normally act through engagement thereofwith plate I25 to retain pin I21 against displacement from said slotsI2I. By the arrangement just described, we facilitate assembly of theswitch parts, while at the same time obviating the necessity for use ofthe metal plate 84 and screws 66 shown in Figs.

6 and 7.

The advantages of our invention will be apparent to those skilled in theart. arrangement the necessity foruse of main fuses is obviated, thusavoiding the principal source of injurious heat in devices of thischaracter. In practice the stationary contacts II, 12, the part 14 14 ofcontact 14, and the corresponding part of contact 13, are provided witha silver electropiate of suitable thickness to insure highcurrent-carrying efficiency of the switch, despite infrequent operationof the latter.

The main switch is operated from the exterior of the casing, with anoperating lever like the toggle levers ordinarily employed on switchesfor home lighting circuits. The familiarity of the ordinary householderwith this type of operating means, makes the complete device acceptableand easily understood by the user, thus resulting in a great reductionin the number of service calls required.

The aforedescrib'ed arrangement provides for installation of thecomplete device in normal position (Figs. 1 and 5) or in an invertedposition. In either event the auxiliary cover member 42 stays opened orclosed, as desired; and the on and oil indications read correctly. Solidporcelain barriers I28, I29 (Fig. 1) are provided between the solderlessterminals associated with the aforementioned sets of bolts 16, 95 and8I, 94, thus preventing the possibility of short circuits.

The jack blades 91 of the range fuse pullout are preferably silverplated, and the same as shown are separate from the respective fuseclips 98, thus reducing contact temperature to a minimum.

As shown in Fig. 2, the left-hand pair of center contact screws 25, 25are electrically connected with each other through the medium of busmember 26, which is likewise electrically connected with bus member 81.Similarly, the righthand pair of center contact screws'25, 25 areelectrically connected with each other through By our novel the mediumof bus member 26 which is electrically connected with bus member 82.

What we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1; In an electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a recess formed therein and opening to the lower surface thereof,

said base having a passage opening to the upper surface thereof andcommunicating with said recess, an operating lever having pivotalengage-.

said first pair of contacts and resiliently biased into engagement withthe latter, and said second pair of contacts being engageable by saidinsulating member to effect disengagement of the former from said firstpair of contacts against said bias upon movement of said lever towardone extreme position.

2. In an electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a recess formed therein and opening to the lower surface thereof,said base having a passage opening to the upper surface thereof andcommunicating with said reces's, an operating lever having pivotalengagement with said base within said passage, the lower end portion ofsaid lever being located within said recess, a flat insulating member ofsubstantially rectangular contour positioned edgewise 4. within saidrecess, said lever being pivotally connected with said insulating memberat one side of thevertical median line of the latter, a pair ofsubstantially rigid stationary contacts secured to the lower surface ofsaid base at one side of said recess, a second pair of contacts securedto the lower surface of said base at the opposite side of said recess,said second pair of contacts having portions underlying said recess andportions of said first pair of contacts and resiliently biased intoengagement with the latter, and said second pair of contacts beingengageable by said insulating member to effect disengagement of theformer from said first pair of contacts against said bias upon movementof said lever toward one extreme position, said second pair of contactscoacting with said insulating member and said lever to yieldably resistmovement ,of the latter from each extreme position thereof.

3. In an electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a recess formed therein and opening to the lower surface thereof,said base having a passage opening to the upper surface thereof andcommunicating with said recess, an operating lever having pivotalengagement with said base within said passage, the lower end portion ofsaid lever being located within said recess, a flat insulating member ofsubstantially rectangular contour positioned edgewise within saidrecess, said lever being pivotally connected with said insulating memberat one side of the vertical median line of the latter, a pair of ofsubstantially rigid stationary contacts secured to the lower surface ofsaid base at one side of 7 said recess, a second pair of contactssecured to the lower surface of said base at the opposite side of saidrecess, said second pair of contacts having portions underlying saidrecess and portions of said first pair of contacts and resilientlybiased into engagement with the latter, said second pair of contactsbeing eng'ageable by said insulating member to effect disengagementofthe former from said first pair of contacts against said bias uponmovement of said lever toward one extreme position, an insulatingbarrier interposed between the cooperating contacts of said pairs, andsaid insulating member having a notch formed in the lower edge thereofto provide clearance between the same and said barrier.

4. In an electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a recess formed therein and opening to the lower surface thereof,said base having a passage opening to the upper surface thereof andcommunicating with said recess, a flat punched insulating operatinglever having a pin extending transversely therethrough for pivotalengagement with said base, the lower end portion of said lever extendingat an obtuse angle to the center line of the upper end portion thereof,whereby in one extreme position of said lever the lower end portion isvertically disposed with respect to said pivot pin, a flat punchedinsulating plate of substantiallyrectangular inverted U-shape to whichthe lower -end portion of said lever is pivotally connected at a pointoffset from the vertical and horizontal center lines of the former, saidrecess having opposed vertical walls with which the vertical edges ofsaid plate are respectively engaged in the opposite extreme positions ofthe latter, two 'stationary contacts underlying said base adjacent tosaid recess, two resilient contacts of laminated form underlying saidrecess and portions of said contacts first mentioned and normally biasedinto engagement with the latter, said plate being movable downwardlyupon operation of said lever in one direction to depress said resilientcontacts against said bias thereof to disengage tfiesame from therespective contacts first mentioned, a barrier formed integrally withsaid base and interposed between the respective sets of cooperatingcontacts, said barrier being interrupted within the area defined by saidrecess, a flat insulating barrier plate positioned edgewise within theinterrupted area of said barrier and extending upwardly between the armsof said U-shaped plate, and a grounding neutral bus member underlyingsaid insulating barrier plate to retain the latter in proper position.

5. In an electric switch of the slow-break type, in combination, amolded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to thelower surface thereof, said base having a passage opening to the uppersurfacethereof and communicating with said recess, an insulatingoperating lever having a pivotal connection with said base within saidpassage, said lever having an upper end portion extending a substantialdistance above said base and a lower end portion extending at an obtuseangle to said upper end portion, at least a part of said lower endportion being located within said recess, a flat punched insulatingplate of substantially inverted U-shape also located within said recessand having a pivotal connection with said lever, a

.pair of laterally spaced substantially rigid sta tionary contactssecured to the lower surface of said base at one side of said recess, apair of laterally spaced resilient stationary contacts secured to thelower surface of said base at the other side of said recess, the freeend of said 'to yieldably resist movement of said lever toward each ofits extreme positions, and said lever in one extreme position thereofcooperating with said insulating plate and the latter cooperating withan endwall of said recess to retain said resilient contacts indisengaged relation to the contacts first mentioned.

6. In an electric switch of the slow-break type, in combination, amolded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to thelower surface thereof, said base having a passage opening to the uppersurface thereof and communicating with said recess, an insulatingoperating lever having a pivotal connection with said base within saidpassage, said lever having an upper end portion extending a substantialdistance abovesaid base and a lower end portion extending at an obtuseangle to said upper end portion, at least a part of said lower endportion being located within said recess, a fiat punched insulatingplate of substantially inverted U-shape also located within said recessand having a pivotal connection with said lever, a pair of laterallyspaced substantially rigid stationary contacts secured to the lowersurface of said base at one side of said recess, a pair of laterailyspaced resilient stationary contacts secured to the lower surface ofsaid base at the other side of said recess, the free ends of saidresilient contacts underlying said recess and being normally biased bythe resiliency thereof into cooperative engagement with said stationarycontacts first mentioned, the arms of said U-shaped insulating platebeing adapted to cooperatively engage the respective resilient contactsto' yieldably resist movement of said lever toward each of its extremepositions, said lever in one extreme position thereof cooperating withsaid insulating plate and the latter cooperating with an end wall ofsaid recess to retain said resilient contacts in disengaged relation tothe contacts first mentioned, a sheet metal casing having bottom, sideand end walls and an open front, said base being rigidly attached tosaid bottom wall, said base having a pair of spaced grooves formedtherein and opening to the lower surface thereof, and a fiat insulatingplate positioned within said grooves in a' plane at substantially rightangles to said bottom wall of the casing, said last mentioned plateextending above the respective sets of cooperating contacts to providean insulating barrier therebetween.

7. In an electric switch of the slow-break type, in combination, amolded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to thelower surface thereof, said base having a passage opening to the uppersurface thereof and communicating with said recess, an insulatingoperating lever having a pivotal connection with said base within saidpassage, said lever having an upper end portion extending a substantial'distance above said base and a lower end portion extending at an obtuseangle to said said upper end portion, at least a part of said lower endportion being located within said recess, a flat punched insulatingplate of substantially inverted U-shape also located within said recessand having a pivotal connection with said lever, a pair of laterallyspaced substantially rigid stationary contacts secured to the lowersurface of said base at one side of said recess, a pair of laterallyspaced resilient stationary contacts secured to the lower surface ofsaid base at the other side of said recess, the free ends of saidresilient contacts underlying said recess and being normally biased bythe resiliency thereof into cooperative engagement with said stationarycontacts first mentioned, the arms of said U- shaped insulating platebeing adapted to cooperatively engage the respective resilient contactsto yieldably resist movement of said lever toward each of its extremepositions, said lever in one extreme position thereof cooperating withsaid insulating plate and the latter cooperating with an end wall ofsaid recess to retain said resilient contacts in disengaged relation tothe contacts first mentioned, a sheet metal casing having bottom, sideand end walls and an open front, said base being rigidly attached tosaid bottom wall, said base having a pair of spaced grooves formedtherein and opening to the lower surface thereof, a fiat insulatingplate positioned within said grooves in a plane at substantially rightangles to said bottom wall of the casing, said last mentioned plateextending above the respective sets of cooperating contacts to providean insulating barrier therebetween, a sheet metal covermember normallyimmovably at-- tached to said casing at the open front of the latter,and said cover member having a slot formed therein to provide clearancefor said le- 7 ver upon oscillatory movement of the latter.

8. In an electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a recess formed therein and opening to the lower surface thereof,said base having a passage opening to the upper surface thereof andcommunicating with said recess, an operating lever having a pivotalconnection with said base within said passage, said lever having anupper end portion extending a substantial distance above said base and alower end portion extending into said recess at an angle to said upperend portion, a fiat insulating plate also located within said recess andhaving a pivotal connection with said lever, a pair of laterally spacedsubstantially rigid stationary contacts secured to the lower surface ofsaid base at one side of said recess, a pair of laterally spacedresilient contacts secured to the lower surface of said base at theother side of said recess, the free ends of said resilient contactsunderlying said recess and being normally biased by the resiliencythereof into cooperative engagement with said contacts first mentioned,said insulating plate being adapted to cooperatively engage therespective resilient contacts to yieldably resist movement of said levertoward each of its extreme positions, and said lever in one extremeposition thereof cooperating with said insulating plate and the lattercooperating with an end wall of said recess to retain said resilientcontacts in disengaged relation to the contacts first mentioned.

9. In an electric switch, in combination, an insulating base, anoperating lever having a pivotal connection with said base, said leverhaving an upper end portion extending a substantial distance above saidbase and a lower end portion extending at an angle to said upper endportion, a fiat insulating plate having a pivotal connection with saidlever, a plurality of laterally spaced substantially rigid stationarycontacts secured to the lower surface of said base, a plurality ofsimilarly spaced resilient contacts secured to the lower surface of saidbase, the free ends of said resilient contacts being normally biased bythe resiliency thereof into cooperative engagement with said firstmentioned contacts, said insulating plate being adapted to cooperativelyengage the respective resilient contacts to yieldably resist movement ofsaid lever toward each of its extreme positions. a sheet metal covermember overlying said base, said cover member having a portion ofsubstantially channel-shape offset inwardly from the outer surfacethereof, the bottom wall of said channel-shaped portion having arelatively long substantially rectangular slot formed therein toaccommodate the upper end of said lever and to provide clearancetherefor during oscillatory movement thereof, a fiat sheet metal plateunderlying the bottom wall of said channelshaped portion, said metalplate having an opening only slightly larger than the cross sectionaldimensions of said lever, and said metal plate also having lugs formedintegrally therewith and overlying the upper surface of saidlast-mentioned bottom wall to restrain the former against downwarddisplacement while permitting transverse sliding movement thereofrelatively to said cover member, said metal plate acting to insuresubstantial closure of said slot in all positions of said lever.

10. In an electric switch, in combination, an

a substantial distance from each side thereof, the opposed walls of saidpassage-having downwardly opening grooves formed therein the. side andend walls of which provide bearings for said pivot pin, said leverhaving an upper endportion extending a substantial distance above saidbase and a lower end portion extending at a predetermined angle to saidupper end portion, a fiat insulating plate located within said recessand having a pivotal connection with said lever, a pair of laterallyspaced substantially rigid stationary contacts secured to the lower faceof said base at one side of said recess, a pair of laterally spacedresilient contacts secured to the lower face of said base at the otherside of .said recess, each of said resilient contacts comprising anupper lamination having a boss formed thereon adjacent to the free endthereof and a multiplicity of lower laminations, said lower laminationsbeing initially bent to normally bias said upper lamination into 00-operative engagement with one of the contacts i CERTIFICATE orCORRECTION. Patent No. 2,217,02h.v October 191m.

RALPH A. MIILERMASTER, ET AL.

It hereby certified thjat error appears in the printed sp eclfication ofthe above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: P age ZQse'e-1 end eo1fimn,"1i ne l 2 fo'rthe :word "therefore" read --thereof afvter'frelatively insert --to bearings 62, 65; plate 61; having ari'open- I111g 65- page}; first colfimn, line 9, for "mounted" reed notchedpage 6)first column, line 72, claim 5, strike out "of"-before "substantially";page 6, second column, line 75, claim 5, for"end" read -ends--;

- and that the-said I;etters'Patent should be read with this correctionthere in thait the same mayeonform to the record of the case in thePatent Office.

Signedandsealed this 16th da of September, A. D. 19in.

Henry Van Arsdele (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

